Today’s 2 mile family walk took us up a “Wainwright”… Holme Fell, which lies between Skelwith Bridge and Coniston. Views from the top stretch right out over Coniston Water in one direction and the Langdale Pikes in the other.
We parked for free on the roadside at GR323004, where there’s space for approx 5 cars. If this is full, there is a National Trust car park, “Glenn Mary” just a bit further along the road at GR322998. Parking is free for members.
The route goes around the western edge of Yew Tree Tarn and into Harry Guards Wood, turning left, going through a kissing gate and heading uphill. The route pretty much follows the same path up, up and up, veering left and left again to get to the top.
There are trees to clamber over, little streams to cross and big boulders to climb on. The kids managed to find mini adventures at every turn!
There’s a cairn on a mini summit, before you reach the actual summit a little bit further along. It was quite blowy at the top, so we were thankful for our hiking shelter, where we ate our picnic lunch and fed the baby. The shelter we use packs up really small and is light to carry. We always carry it on all our autumn, winter and spring walks, and it’s come in especially useful now we have another baby.
Here’s the route map:
This route is approximately 1 mile each way, so 2 miles in total, and ascends to 317 metres, making it officially a “Wainwright Fell”. Our 7 year old managed it easily, and our 5 year old walked all the way too, although needed a bit of encouragement for the final push.
Note: if you start the route at the National Trust car park, you’ll find it safer to walk north along the footpath into the woods, rather than along the Tarn edge.
Other walks that we’ve done near here include Tilberthwaite, Hodge Close, Cathedral Quarry, Colwith Force and Tarn Hows.
Places to eat nearby include the Wilsons Arms in Torver, Chesters by the river at Skelwith Bridge, plus several cafes and pubs in Coniston itself.
If you’re interested in some of the games we play or products we use on our walks, please follow the links.
For more family walks, great picnic spots and pubs, stay up to date and “like” our facebook page Family Walks and Pubs in the Lake District and follow us on Twitter @familywalklakes
Family Walks and Pubs in the Lake District 
Leave a comment